Once upon a time in the Kingdom of South Carolina, the Realm of Columbia, on day 30 of June in the year of our Lord, two thousand and twelve, a marvelous thing happened. Some called it a miracle. Others credited it to luck. But whatever helped it along, I’m thankful. Family members came in all directions in their carriages. The majority came form the Kingdom of Georgia and the Realm of Atlanta, and one from the Kingdom of North Carolina, the Realm of Marion, There was only one serious mishap along the way. One of the carriages from the Realm of Atlanta broke down. There was nothing left to do but turn around and retrieve the stranded guests.
A wonderful feast was prepared to be served in a Great Hall at one hour past noon but alas the food must wait until the weary travelers arrived. The guest of honor, Lady Darlene and her escort, Knight George, were made comfortable at a table in the Great Hall. They were plied with food and drink and the time passed quickly. Knight John joined them. He had been delayed on the road from his home in the North. It seems that the King had declared a holiday for the following week and the highways and by-ways were teeming with all manner of conveyances. A heat wave was going through the known world and it was taking its toll on humans and animals alike
The carriages from the Realm of Atlanta began to roll in . They contained a large number of overheated and hungry folks. Their ages ranged from four months up to 53 years in age. I shall list them by name for future references:
I. The Household of Sims:
Lady Robin (also known as “Birdie”)
Sir Jimmy
Lad Tucker
II. The Household of Addison:
Lady Jennifer
Sir Jason
Lad Jason, Jr.
Lad Justen
III. The Household of Ingram
Lady Heather
Sir Nick
Lad John Douglas
Lad Sebastian
Lad Julian
IV. The Household of Planer
Lady Holly
Sir John
Little Miss Reagan
The following were from the Kingdoms of North and South Carolina:
V. The Household of Huddle (North Carolina)
Sir John
VI. The Household of Eichler (South Carolina)
Lady Darlene
Sir George
After the feast at the Great Hall the birthday group left in their carriages for an inn called The Whitney Hotel. Everyone had great accommodations and began to relax ---some took advantage of the bathing pool, others enjoyed the company of family members they don’t see very often. Lady Darlene, grandmother of many there, made plans and decorated for a surprise birthday party for all the little ones under ten years old.
As the time passed the crowd began to grow hungry. What can we do? There is no kitchen in the Inn. Someone knew of a place where huge tomato pies were the specialty. Although this food was foreign to some tastes the lively and adventuresome group decided to order several with different flavors of these strange pies. After another great feast, there were several adults who ventured a prognostication--these large tomato pies would grow in popularity with young and old to the point that there would be many restaurants that served only this unusual food.
Then it was time for the surprise birthday party for the little knights and one tiny lady. The looks on their faces were priceless as they realized that they would have a party, too. Sir John Huddle’s help with the party was greatly appreciated. Everyone seemed happy with their loot and the cake began to disappear. It gave Lady Darlene great pleasure to see the beautiful, smiling faces.
A restful night was enjoyed by all, even the babies. Sunday morning dawned sunny and hot but spirits weren’t wilted by the high temperatures. We were just a little sad to be going our separate ways later in the morning. The carriages were readied, packed and loaded with passengers. Many hugs and good-byes took place before the carriages made their way onto the highway.
It is Lady Darlene’s and Sir George’s wish that we can do this again next year. We gave thanks for a special family and safe travel.
A HAPPY ENDING
No comments:
Post a Comment